Find HS Code and trade information for pirate eye patch

Pirate Eye Patch

An eye patch, historically and popularly known as a pirate eye patch, is a small piece of cloth or leather worn over one eye. Its primary purpose is to occlude vision in that eye, forcing the other eye to work independently.

Materials

Traditionally, eye patches were made from leather, cloth (often black felt or cotton), or even metal. Modern eye patches can be constructed from a variety of materials including:

• Cloth: Commonly cotton or a cotton blend, often black in color.
• Leather: Durable but less comfortable for prolonged wear.
• Plastic: Lightweight and washable, often used in medical applications.
• Foam: Provides cushioning and comfort.

Purpose and Function

The function of an eye patch varies depending on the context:

• Medical Use: Most commonly used to treat amblyopia (lazy eye). By covering the stronger eye, the patch forces the weaker eye to work harder, strengthening its muscles and improving vision. Also used post-surgery to allow healing and reduce strain.
• Historical Use (Pirates): While romanticized, pirates wore eye patches for practical reasons. Covering one eye allowed them to quickly adjust between bright sunlight on deck and the dark below deck, preserving night vision. It's debated how widespread this practice was, but it offered a tactical advantage. Some accounts also suggest patches were used to cover injuries sustained during battle.
• Fashion/Costume: The eye patch is a recognizable symbol of pirates and is often used as part of a costume or for aesthetic purposes.

Usage Scenarios

• Vision Therapy: Worn for specific periods daily as prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Duration and frequency vary based on the individual's needs.
• Post-Operative Care: Applied after eye surgery to protect the eye and promote healing.
• Simulated Monocular Vision: Used in training exercises (e.g., for law enforcement or military personnel) to understand the challenges of operating with limited vision.
• Costume Parties/Role-Playing: Worn as part of a pirate or other character costume.

Common Types

• Traditional Cloth Patch: Simple, often black, secured with an elastic band.
• Adhesive Patches: Self-adhesive patches that stick directly to the skin around the eye. Often used for medical applications.
• Felt Patches: Soft and comfortable, suitable for children.
• Adjustable Patches: Feature adjustable straps for a more secure and comfortable fit.
• Pirate-Style Patches: Often more elaborate in design, featuring skull and crossbones or other pirate imagery, typically secured with an elastic band.
• Silicone Patches: Reusable and hypoallergenic, often used for medical purposes.

Based on the provided information, the following HS codes may be relevant to a pirate eye patch:

• 6815994170: This HS code falls under Chapter 68, which covers articles of stone or of other mineral substances (including carbon fibers, articles of carbon fibers and articles of peat). The specific subheading 994170 covers “Other articles: Other: Other”. This could potentially apply if the eye patch is made of a mineral substance. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprised of a 0.0% base tariff and a 25.0% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 3926903300: This HS code is under Chapter 39, covering plastics and articles thereof. Specifically, it covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Beads, bugles and spangles, not strung (except temporarily) and not set; articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included: Handbags”. While primarily for handbags, if the eye patch incorporates plastic beads or decorative elements, this code might be considered. The total tax rate is 36.5%, with a 6.5% base tariff and no additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 3926909989: This HS code also falls under Chapter 39, covering plastics and articles thereof. It is categorized as “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other”. This is a broad category and could apply if the eye patch is made of plastic and doesn’t fit into more specific classifications. The total tax rate is 42.8%, consisting of a 5.3% base tariff and a 7.5% additional tariff, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'pirate eye patch' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

It is important to note that the final HS code classification will depend on the specific material composition and construction of the eye patch.